At 1am March 29th 2015 the Greenwich Meridian Time skips forward an hour to 2am…..

and

British Summer Time begins….Yes, it’s that time of the year again when the clocks go forward to herald the arrival of summer (even though technically it’s still spring? go figure!)

When local standard time, ‘GMT’ reaches

1:00:00 AM, clocks turn forward 1 hour

to

2:00:00 AM, local UK time instead

Even though technology automatically corrects our smartphones and computers etc, you still need remember to set your normal clocks and watches, and when you plan your journey for that day…take the time difference into account.

No minute gone comes ever back again; take heed and see ye nothing do in vain

Have a great day and enjoy what I hope will be a fab summer.

More daylight hours in summer time in London

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on Mar 29, 2015 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.

Music, feasting and a spectacular light show for Hampton Court’s 500th anniversary party.

The beautiful Tudor Palace; Hampton Court

This Easter, Hampton Court Palace will be marking its 500th anniversary by throwing a spectacular party, celebrating 500 years of one of Britain’s best-loved historic buildings. Easter weekend sees the launch of an action-packed season of anniversary celebrations! From 3 – 6 April 2015

Kicking off a season of anniversary entertainments, the weekend will see the Tudor kitchens fired up and the famous wine fountain flowing once more, as revellers from the palace’s past gather to raise a glass to 500 years of history. Each day is set to culminate in a stunning Son et lumière show in the Privy Garden, followed by a fireworks display above the palace.

Make Goode Cheere Who Wyshes

Hampton Court Palace has been home to some of Britain’s most infamous monarchs: from the serial husband Henry VIII, to his iconic daughter Elizabeth I, to the raucous Restoration King Charles II. Presiding over itinerant courts, each of these famous figures arrived at the palace via the famous West Front, built by Cardinal Wolsey. In the spirit of that long tradition, five royal carriages will be parking up in the palace driveway at Easter. Specially recreated by Pinewood Creative at Pinewood Studios for Hampton Court’s anniversary, the carriages will give visitors a King or Queen’s eye view of the palace!

Base Court

Each day from Easter, visitors will encounter characters from across the palace’s 500 year history as part of an innovative new season of ‘Time Plays.’ Bringing to life some of the most dramatic episodes in the palace’s history: from the undisputed king of drama himself – William Shakespeare – rehearsing in the Great Hall, to a ‘Tudor ER’ moment after a jousting accident, the ‘Time Plays’ will combine intimate moments with large scale ceremony and ritual, reflecting the palace’s history as both a home and as a backdrop for royal pageantry.

George I at Court

Hampton Court’s Tudor Kitchens are amongst the palace’s biggest attractions for visitors – and for the first time, from Easter, historic chefs will be firing them up every day, with meat from the spit in the Great Kitchen even making its way into sandwiches for sale in the palace café! The replica Tudor wine fountain in Base Court will flow once more, so visitors can raise a royal toast to the palace each day.

The Tudor Kitchen

The wine fountain in Base Court

The anniversary party begins in earnest over the Easter weekend, as Hampton Court reopens at night for an evening of festivities, culminating in a unique, specially commissioned 3D projection onto the South façade of the palace. The projection will present the palace’s 500 year story: from the laying of the first stone under Cardinal Wolsey’s instruction, to the present day. Accompanied by period music, the show will end with spectacular fireworks above the palace. With pop-up food and drink bars around the palace serving everything from Tudor roast beef to champagne, for a more sophisticated taste of the Baroque Court, it promises to be a fitting spectacle to mark a momentous anniversary!

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, helping everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. Raising all their own funds and depending on the support of visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and HRP manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information, visit hrp.org.uk

Pinewood Creative is a design and build partner that delivers bespoke creative services and solutions combining world class expertise with the latest digital technology. Operating out of a purpose built 30,000 sq ft workshop at the heart of Pinewood Studios, specialist services include sculpting, mould making, prop making, vacuum forming and CNC milling, alongside a comprehensive range of 3D digital services including 3D print, 3D body scanning and digital modelling.

The Pinewood Studios Group is one of the leading providers of studio and related services to the worldwide film and television industries. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, our studios have an impressive heritage and have been home to some of the most successful features films and TV shows ever made.

28 March – 12 April 2015
Aardman’s much-loved, world famous sheep is starring in his first movie and is bringing a host of friends to Kew to celebrate.
Normal rates apply; free entry for children aged 16 and under.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3ABOpening Hours: Open daily from 9:30am. Closing times according to the seasons. Admission fees applyhttp://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/easter

2. What about an Easter Egg hunt at Cutty Sark?

The beautifully restored Cutty Sark can be seen in Greenwich

3-6 April 2015 – Admission fees apply
You could win a family ticket to Camp Bestival all participants get a free Easter treat at the Even Keel Cafe.

28th March to 5th April 2015 – Admission fees apply
Missing ducklings! It would be hard to miss them – with BIG yellow ducklings to uncover! Discover them all and you win a Cadbury’s Freddo frog.
Address: London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WTOpening Hours: from 9.30am everyday, 364 days a year – with seasonal closing timeshttp://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/

5. Museum of London
The Museum of London has a whole raft of things to do over the Easter Break. I’ve given you just a snapshot of what’s on offer, do check their website below for many more events.

Museum of London – the best museum in London

Victorian childhoodSaturday 28 March & Tuesday 2 April, 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm
Life could be very different for rich and poor children in Victorian London. Explore these differences and design a doll to take home.
Suggested ages: 5+ Event type: Art drop-inTuesday 31 March, Friday 3 & Saturday 4 April, 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm
How did the Victorians celebrate Easter? Take some inspiration from the Victorian hat shop and make some handsome head-wear to take home.
Suggested ages: 5+ Event type: Art drop-inGranny’s atticFriday 10 April 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm
What happens when a special old box transports a child back to Victorian times? Find out through a journey of Victorian literature, songs and art at this storytelling session.
Suggested ages: 5+ Event type: Storytellinghttp://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/whats-on/family-events/holidays/

6. Bank of England Museum
EGGonomics (7 – 11 & 14 – 17 April)
10:00am – 4:30pm Admission and all activities are free.
During the Easter break the Museum presents EGGonomics, a special event to entertain the whole family.
There will be a treasure trail to find an egg and chicks hidden in the Museum, with a chocolate egg for every child who takes part.
Children can also indulge their imagination by creating and decorating their own Easter basket to take home.
A family fun day out is guaranteed with all the other museum attractions including banknote jigsaws, a roller ball game, interactive displays and the opportunity for some safe cracking.
You can also take the helm of our brand new interactive boat game and set monetary policy to keep inflation steady.
Visitors can even try to lift a genuine gold bar with a current value of over £300,000 -although, weighing 13kg, it will take many people by surprise!
Activity sheets for children of all ages are available at the Museum’s Information Desk, with a small prize for all those who take part.
Address: Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH

2) Enjoy an Easter Sheepy Shindig at Stepney City Farm
4-5th April (Easter weekend) The Farm is free to visit, but donations are very welcome.
‘meet the sheep’, watch the sheep assault course on the Sunday, and join in the essential easter egg hunt, make sheepybanks, wooden drop spindles and have a go at spinning some Stepney fleece.NB: Health and safety at the farm
Address: Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, London E1 3DGOpening Hours: 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sundayhttp://stepneycityfarm.org/whats-on/events/

3) They’re going ‘quacking’ crazy at Mudchute City Farm
From 28 March to 2 April Mudchute Park is FREE of charge (but they do welcome your support through a donation or become a member).
With Wool Crafting, an Easter Eggstravaganza, Easter Bunny Visits, Easter Egg and Prize Hunt and an Easter Bonnet Parade what more could you want?

4) Easter fun and games at Spitalfields City Farm – a stone’s throw from the City of London
5th April 2015 – FREE to visit
Easter fun & games, farm egg treats, meet rabbits and hens as you learn about their welfare.

Bunnies at the farm

But don’t just visit on this one day, there are plenty of other exciting events on the calendar.
Address: Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AROpening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pmhttp://www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org/events

5) Vauxhall City Farm, a little piece of the countryside in central London
The farm is FREE to visit but they do welcome donations!
Spring is in the air at Vauxhall City Farm where you can meet Shadow the beautiful bunny who loves a cuddle, and find out how she came to live at the farm along with all the other animals.